§ 10. Mr. BUCHANANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that since 1st January, 1931, until 18th November, 1931, 23,000 cases have been taken for re-enrolment at the Glasgow Rent Court; that for the same date 4,000 decrees have been granted against tenants; and that in many cases decree is granted without the sheriff having heard the cases; and if, in view of the present winter, he intends to take any steps to deal with this problem?
§ Mr. SKELTONI have made inquiry and I am informed that between 1st January and 18th November, the number of cases re-enrolled at the Glasgow Rent Court was 11,825. During the same period 4,030 decrees were granted, of which 2,733 were in re-enrolled cases and 1,297 in new cases. No decrees are granted without the sheriff hearing parties except in cases where the defender does not appear or is not represented or where the parties have arranged matters between themselves; as regards the last part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for Dumbarton Burghs (Mr. Kirkwood) on 24th November.
§ Mr. BUCHANANAs the number of decrees is on the increase, will not the hon. Gentleman take some extra steps to deal with the situation?
§ Mr. SKELTONThe number of removals or evictions which follow the decrees is extremely small, and the decrees themselves are merely a method of getting arrears of rent paid.
§ Mr. BUCHANANI beg to give notice that I will raise the question on the Adjournment.